Above The Sea

Chapter 15 - Audrey

I fell onto my bed that night, feeling like I was floating. The date had been better than I could've imagined. I was so happy, it felt like I was floating the entire time. Eve made sure that I felt special and cared for the entire time, even as she walked me to my room. I still couldn't quite believe I really had that good of a date. It had never felt this way when I was with Rose, but it wasn't true love then. This is true love and it feels even better than I thought it would. Still in my clothes, I got up and sat in the window, staring at the stars. I let a soft smile settle on my face, thinking about what could happen from this point on. Turning my gaze from the sky to the ocean, I looked at the gentle ripples, remembering when the ocean was calm because of me.

"Well Dad...I found true love. I'm in love with a girl. Being lesbian isn't wrong. I'm glad I escaped from you. I just wish you had accepted me... Even though I'm the happiest I've ever been, I really miss Fin and my sisters. I even miss you... I know you tried to force me to marry someone I knew I would never love and brought me back my force and basically made me a prisoner, you are still my dad. You raised me. I can't help but wish things had turned out differently between us. I know you hate me at this point but I love you. I always will..." I trailed off, feeling a few tears roll down my cheek but not bothering to wipe them away, "And Aunt Uri? I did it. I made you proud. I'm being true to myself. I hope everything is going on down there... I hope Dad isn't too furious with you because we tricked him. I miss you and I love you. Maybe one day I can see you again. Maybe you'll get your own girlfriend after dad loses power. Oh yeah. I have a girlfriend. You were right. We do work together. Thank you for everything you did to help me." I fell silent, staring at the ocean through the blurriness. I didn't even realize the door had opened until I felt warm arms wrap around me.

"Why are you crying Love?" Eve's soft voice filled my head.

"Even though my dad treated me terribly, I miss him. I also miss my best friend and my sisters. I just disappeared. I know my best friend is freaking out. And without our safe space to go, Fin is probably all alone... No one else cared about him. I love it up here, I love you! I just can't help but think about what would be different if my dad accepted me and I wasn't forced to run." I rambled, the tears coming faster now. Knowing I needed time to cry, Eve sat down and turned me so I could cry into her shoulder. I held on tight to her, letting out all my emotions. After 20 minutes, I had finally calmed down enough to have a proper conversation. I was no longer sobbing and while my breaths were still ragged and shallow, they were quieter.

"I know what's happened to you has been terrible. And I'm really sorry that the situation with your dad played out the way it did. I also wish that he had accepted you. However, if he accepted you, you would still be in the sea and we never would've met. You would've been longing for love in a place where no one is like you. You wouldn't be truly happy. I wouldn't be happy either. Ever since we found you, you lit up my life like no one else ever has. You've made me love myself more and more every day, simply because you love me. I can never thank you enough for that. I really am sorry that things played out the way they did. You went through so much pain that you didn't deserve. I'm glad that you are here with me though. I thank my lucky stars every day to have you in my life. I love you so much, never forget that." Eve said, her voice gentle and soft, her hand rubbing through my hair, lightly scratching at my scalp. I didn't respond for a few minutes, trying to figure out how to say what was running through my head.

"I don't really know what to say... I've never been very good at sharing my sadness. As a princess underwater, I had to act happy all the time so I normally just pushed it deep inside. I've never had someone like you in my life before. I'm really glad that I was able to meet you and get as close as we are. I just wish I could have you and my friends and family. I know that's not possible though. And I would rather be with the one I love. I love you too Eve. Thank you for understanding and never leaving me." I murmured, not letting go of my girlfriend.

"Of course Audrey. My job as your girlfriend is to always be here for you. But I'm not doing this just because I'm your girlfriend. I'm doing this because I care about you and want to see you happy. I know it's hard and that you miss Fin and your family. I'm sorry you can't go see them. I really wish you could and if you could come back to me, and I didn't know what I was sending you to, I would let you visit them in a heartbeat. I really wish you could visit them. I'm sorry. If you ever need to talk, I will be here for you. You can always talk to me about anything." Eve answered, kissing my forehead. This time, I didn't respond, knowing there was nothing I could say to thank you enough. Instead, I settled for looking up and kissing Eve, hoping it would convey my gratitude. We broke apart and she smiled at me, kissing my forehead again.

"No need to thank me, Love. I'm always here for you." Eve told me, pulling me impossibly closer. Less homesick, I closed my eyes, allowing myself to relax in my girlfriend's embrace. Soon, I was fast asleep, Eve's soft whispers lulling me into dreamland.

The next time I woke up, I was in my bed, a blanket covering me, and soft pajamas on. Rubbing my tired eyes, I sat up, trying to remember when I changed and got in bed. The last thing I could remember was talking with Eve about how I was homesick. Looking out the window, a piece of paper caught my eye. Reaching over, I read it aloud, too tired to process it if I didn't speak it out.

"Love, I called Cherry to your room so she could change you. I know she was helping you get dressed for the date so I knew that she would know how to take off the dress and undo your hair better than I would. I'm sorry for having someone change you when you were asleep, but I didn't want you sleeping all night in that dress and with your hair so fancy. I had to go out and do some stuff regarding my coronation, so I was unable to stay. I wanted to though. I'll be back tonight so we can cuddle again. I can't wait to hold you again. You looked so peaceful while asleep. I love you! Eve" I finished, smiling, imagining Eve's expression as she wrote this. Stretching, I got up and changed into simple clothing, not really wanting to dress in all fancy clothes. Making my way to the kitchens, I saw Cherry.

"Oh! Cherry!" I called out, moving towards her.

"Good morning Miss Audrey!" She responded cheerfully, curtsying.

"There's no need to curtsy Cherry. I'm not royalty. Also, thank you so much for yesterday! That date did go well! And thanks for changing me last night. I hope I wasn't too much trouble or too heavy for you. I know that I wasn't much help, me being asleep and all." I said, smiling at my newest friend.

"Oh! It was really no problem at all. I'm very glad your date went well. The Princess told me that you two are now officially dating! I'm so happy for you!" Cherry exclaimed, nothing but genuine happiness on her face, "So what are you doing down here? I figured you would rather be upstairs in the fancy parts of the castle."

"I was coming down to get breakfast. I know I can just have you bring it to me, but I don't want to work the staff any more than necessary, especially when I am perfectly capable of walking down here and getting it myself." I replied, the two of us starting to walk towards the kitchens.

"See, that's why I can't wait until you and Princess Eve get married! You'll be such a kind and generous Queen!" Cherry said, longing clear on her face. I laughed, the thought of Eve and I getting married in the back of my mind.

"That's a long way away, Cherry. I don't think I'm ready for that yet." I told her, a faint smile on my lips.

"Then you best get ready quickly, I have to be married in 2 weeks." Eve's grim voice came from behind us, stopping me dead in my tracks.